Colorado Bend State Park, Texas travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Colorado Bend State Park is in the German Hill Country of Texas.

9 things to do

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Colorado Bend State Park

Hiking

There are over 15.8 mi of hiking trails in this state park. Wear sturdy shoes and make sure to go out prepared, the trails are quite isolated, as is the park in general.

Cycling

With 14 mi of trails, you can have a wonderful time getting lost on a mountain bike adventure. The trails are often vacant, and the terrain varies from a typical Hill Country fare to an almost subtropical ambiance.

Swimming

In the Colorado River, at your own risk.

Kayaking

Rentals are available at the office. This portion of the Colorado River is very slow moving and easily accessible for rowers of all skill levels, though excitement may be lacking, and the lack of winds make for a slow tr…

Fishing

White Bass spawn in the river from January to April, making for excellent fishing. In fact, the state park used to be a fishing camp!

Tours

Some tours are beautiful, but only accessible via guided tour for safety and conservation reasons.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 98°F; winter lows dip to about 42°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: May and Oct. (climate data from nearby Austin)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
GRK Killeen Regional Airport / Robert Gray Army Airfield, Fort Cavazos — 39 mi away. Directions
AUS Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Austin — 77 mi away (major hub). Directions

The only way into the park is via a 6-mile paved road that meanders through the park providing great views of the landscape and wildlife.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 2-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Hiking, Swimming, Fishing
Afternoon Gorman Falls Tours, Crawling Cave Tours

Day 2

Morning Cycling, Kayaking
Afternoon Tours, Gorman Cave Walking Tours

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Bring enough food to last you, as there are no stores within a significant distance.

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Understand

History

Colorado Bend State Park is one of the newer additions to the Texas State Park system, having opened its gates in 1987.

Landscape

waterfalls and mountains

Flora and fauna

Climate

The January average temperature is 46.2 °F (7.8 °C), while the July average is 85.9 °F (31.9 °C). Historically, the first freeze is on November 20th, and the last freeze is around March 11.

Get in

The only way into the park is via a 6-mile paved road that meanders through the park providing great views of the landscape and wildlife.

Get around

The park has many trails for hiking and biking, but some trails are off limits for cyclists.

See

Many a great birding opportunity on the trails, and a chance to see the rare Bald Eagles that nest around nearby Lake Buchanan.

Do

Do Hiking

There are over 15.8 mi of hiking trails in this state park. Wear sturdy shoes and make sure to go out prepared, the trails are quite isolated, as is the park in general.

Maps

Do Cycling

Maps

Do Swimming

In the Colorado River, at your own risk.

Maps

Do Kayaking

Maps

Do Fishing

White Bass spawn in the river from January to April, making for excellent fishing. In fact, the state park used to be a fishing camp!

Maps

Do Tours

Some tours are beautiful, but only accessible via guided tour for safety and conservation reasons.

☎ +1 325-628-3240

Maps

Do Gorman Falls Tours

🕒 Sat 2PM (weather permitting)

Maps

Do Gorman Cave Walking Tours

🕒 Sat Sun 9:15AM (resource and weather permitting)

Maps

Do Crawling Cave Tours

🕒 First Sat of each month (resource and weather permitting)

Maps

Buy

The office sells firewood and other odds-and-ends, but not much else.

Eat

Bring enough food to last you, as there are no stores within a significant distance.

Drink

Lots of water! Public display or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the park (and all Texas State Parks) is prohibited, and you can and will be thrown out if you cause too much trouble. Also, alcohol dehydrates the body. Stick to water or sports drinks.

Sleep

Lodging

No cabins or shelters are available in this park.

Camping

There are two tent camping areas, with sparse amenities. This is a state park to visit if you want to know what camping is all about. Campsites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and posts to hang lanterns on so you can see at night. There are water faucets nearby both camping areas, but no electrical or sewage hookups. If you are looking for a place to take an RV, this is not it.

Backcountry

There are two backpacking sites for those who really enjoy getting off the beaten trail. One site is 1.3 miles away from water and compost toilet, the other is 6. If you want to see Texas the way Texas was when the first settlers came, this is a great opportunity. Ground fires are prohibited in these areas, and the closest town is 35 miles away, so make sure to pack enough containerized fuel. Remember, leave no traces.

Stay safe

As with anywhere in Texas, the weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for the heat, and stay hydrated. This area is also prone to flash flooding. As the State Park Service best put it: It is advisable to leave the park if heavy rain is expected. Make sure to watch for snakes on all trails and near the riverside camping locations, as the grass can be quite tall after a rain, and before maintenance can mow. Fire ants are also a problem in the area, so make sure to scout the area well before pitching a tent! This is a wild area and skunks, raccoons, and other (generally) harmless creatures might enjoy rummaging through your garbage as you sleep, so make sure to bring a container with a secure lid, lest you be woken up by mother natures little bandits!